Beamwidth refers to the angular width of the main lobe of an antenna’s radiation pattern. In telecommunications and antenna engineering, it describes the angular coverage or propagation of electromagnetic energy radiated or received by the antenna in a specific direction. Beamwidth indicates how narrowly or globally focused the antenna energy is in transmitting or receiving signals.
It is usually measured in degrees and helps determine the directivity and coverage area of the antenna’s radiation pattern.
In physics, beam width generally refers to the physical dimensions or diameter of a beam of particles or electromagnetic waves. For example, in optics it can refer to the diameter of a laser beam or the propagation of light from a source. In the context of antennas, beamwidth refers specifically to the angular spread of the main lobe of the radiation pattern rather than the physical dimensions of the beam itself.
It quantifies the directionality and spatial coverage of signals transmitted or received from the antenna.
The beamwidth of an antenna array refers to the angular width of the main lobe of the radiation pattern produced by an array of antennas working together as a single unit. Antenna arrays are used to achieve specific radiation characteristics, such as beam direction or beam shaping, by combining signals from multiple antennas.
The beamwidth of an antenna array is determined by the arrangement and spacing of individual antennas in the array, affecting the directional properties and coverage area of the array. Antenna engineering and design networks often involve optimizing layout and configuration to achieve desired beamwidth and performance characteristics